Bad news struck the Browns right away during the 2023 season when RT Jack Conklin was lost for the season in the opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.
It was the first of an injury-riddled season, but some good came from the tough break. An opportunity came about for rookie T Dawand Jones and he took advantage of it.
After playing in 11 games as a rookie and making nine starts, Jones was recognized by Pro Football Writers of America and was named to the All-Rookie Team.
The Ohio State product was the pick No. 111 in the NFL Draft and the Browns look to have found a starter in the fourth round. Many folks had a first to early second-round grade on Jones, but there were concerns about his work ethic and weight heading into the league.
Cleveland’s most impactful rookie this season was Jones. He came in and earned the top backup tackle spot. When an opportunity came about, Jones showed the player that he was and that he could be a starter in the NFL.
Now, the Browns have decisions to make going forward with what to do at the tackle spot. Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wills Jr. are both under contract next season, but Jones has proven that he needs to be on the field. The rookie is a plus pass blocker who held his own against players like T.J. Watt and Nick Bosa as a rookie.